Aika's heart pounded in her chest as Ryohta stepped closer, the katana gleaming in his hand. The café was eerily silent, the only sound the faint hum of the city outside. She backed away, her mind racing for a way out, but the exit was blocked, and Yumi was still unconscious on the floor.
"You can't do this, Ryohta," Aika said, her voice trembling but firm. "The police are watching. They'll find you."
Ryohta smiled, a cold, calculating smile that sent a shiver down her spine. "The police are busy tonight. They won't be here in time to save you."
He took another step forward, his eyes locked on hers. Aika's back hit the counter, and she realized she had nowhere left to go. She glanced at Yumi, still unconscious, and then at the phone in her hand. If she could just call for help…
But Ryohta was faster. With a swift motion, he knocked the phone from her hand, sending it skidding across the floor. Aika's breath caught in her throat as he raised the katana, its blade glinting in the dim light.
"You should have given me a chance," he said, his voice low and menacing. "We could have been perfect together."
Aika's mind raced. She couldn't fight him—he was too strong, too fast. But she couldn't give up, not now. She had come too far to let him win.
"You don't understand, Ryohta," she said, her voice steady despite the fear coursing through her. "This isn't love. It's obsession. And it's destroying you."
For a moment, Ryohta hesitated, his grip on the katana tightening. But then his expression hardened, and he took another step forward. "You're wrong, Aika. This is love. And I'll prove it to you."
As he raised the katana, Aika's eyes darted to the counter. Her hand closed around the handle of a heavy coffee grinder, and with all her strength, she swung it at him. The grinder connected with his arm, and the katana clattered to the floor.
Ryohta stumbled back, his eyes wide with shock. Aika didn't hesitate. She grabbed the katana and held it in front of her, her hands trembling but determined.
"Stay back," she said, her voice firm. "I won't let you hurt me or anyone else."
Ryohta stared at her, his expression a mix of anger and disbelief. "You think you can stop me?"
Before he could move, the sound of sirens filled the air. Red and blue lights flashed through the windows, and the café was suddenly bathed in light. Ryohta's eyes darted to the door, and for a moment, he seemed to hesitate.
But then he turned and ran, disappearing into the shadows just as the police burst through the door.